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Aug- 4, 1936- v H. H. WHITE 2,050,143

DISPLAY SPACER Filed Aug. s, 193s Patented Aug. 4, 1936 UNETED STATES PATENT OFFICE DISPLAY SPACER Application August 3, 1935, Serial No. 34,616

22 Claims.

This invention relates to means for subdividing the top of a counter or other display device to form compartments thereon and, more particularly, relates to devices and means for supporting the partitions which subdivide the counter into such compartments.

It has heretofore been proposed and is well known to subdivide a counter or other display space by positioning thereon intersecting partitions which dene a number of compartments into which various different articles of merchandise may be p-laced. Various means and devices have been proposed for supporting these partitions but heretofore such means and devices have been subject to numerous defects, principally the necessity of employing with them special counter constructions, and the further defect that such devices have not been simple of application and adjustment.

The present invention, therefore, proposes, to provide partition-supporting means which may be employed with all types of counters and which will not require special counter constructions for their use.

Another object of the invention is to provide lpartition-supporting means particularly adapted for the support of counter dividing partitions, which means will accommodate a large number of partitions or will accommodate one or more partitions in a plurality of selected positions.

A further object of the invention is to provide partition-supporting means which may be easily and readily applied to any counter construction and which may be easily adjusted thereon to any desired position.

A further object is to provide partition-supporting devices which will not require means such as prongs or nails for holding the same in place but which may be supported in partition-retain- 40 ing position solely by engagement of portions thereof with the counter structure and the partitions.

It is also an object of the invention to provide partition-supporting means which may be easily 45 and cheaply manufactured, but which will be strong and rugged in construction.

Other objects and features of novelty will be apparent from the following description and the annexed drawing, it being expressly understood,

50 however, that the invention is not limited in any Way by such description and drawing or otherwise than by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawing, in which similarv reference numerals refer to like parts.

a5 Fig. l is a perspective view of a partition-sup- (Cl. 312-140) y porting device according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a conventional counter and partition structure, showing the device of Fig.- 1 in position supporting a plural- 5 ity of partitions;

Fig.. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a modied form of the invention,

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of a Vcounter and partition structure showing the device of Fig. 3 in 10 partition-supporting position,

Fig. 5 is a perspective View of a portion of a modified form of the invention disclosed in Fig. 1.

Referring particularly to Figs. l and 2 of the drawing there is disclosed therein a device formed [5i according to the present invention and which is adapted to support a plurality of individual partitions, or to support one or more partitions in any number of selected positions. In Fig. 2 there is illustrated a usual and conventional counter 20 construction with which the supporting means illustrated inFigs. l and 2`is particularly adapted tocooperate. Such Vconventional counter structure comprises the counter top I, which is usually horizontal but need not be so, and upon which 25 are placed a plurality of base blocks, the horizontal portions 2, 3 of which form the actual top of the counter on which goods may be displayed. The horizontal portions 2, 3 are supported above the top I of the counter by any desired means 30 such as the legs or supports 4, 5.V In lpractice these blocks, or a plurality thereof, are extended from the front to the rear of the counter, although other arrangements may be employed, and between them, and also usually extending from the front to the back of the counter, are arranged the vertical main partitions, such as partition 6 illustrated in Fig. 2. As will be apparent from the drawing, the main. partition 6 rests on the top l and is supported in vertical position by the abutment on the sides thereof of the two base blocks. The greater portion of the partition 6 extends above the base blocks to provide a partition extending from the front to the back of the counter.

It has heretofore been the usual practice to form a large number of base blocks of different widths whereby, by proper positioning and arrangement of blocks on the counter top, any desired spacing of the main partitions along the counter top could be provided. It has also been the practice to subdivide the elongated compartments formed by the main partitions by placing transversely thereto any desired number of subsidiary partitions extending from one main partition to the next main partition adjacent thereto. In order to effect such sub-partitioning, it has been the usual practice to subdivide the base blocks by providing a plurality of base blocks extending from the front to the back of the counter, the transverse or subdividing partitions being supported on the counter top I and being supported in a vertical position by the abutment on opposite faces thereof of the ends of the lateral faces of the base blocks. As with the main partitions, the transverse partitions have been so formed that the major portion thereof extends above the top of the base blocks to form in cooperation with the main partitions, a plurality of compartments for the reception of goods to be displayed.

In accordance with the present invention, the subdivision of the base blocks is dispensed with, and a plurality of preferably unitary base blocks, of any desired width and each extending from the front to the rear of the counter top, are employed. As practiced heretofore, the main partitions are adapted to be supported on the counter top I and to be supported in vertical position by the sides of the base blocks as clearly disclosed in Fig. 2. Further in accordance with the present invention, the transverse partitions, such as partitions 'I in Fig. 2 are adapted to rest on the upper surface of the base blocks and to extend transversely with respect to the main partitions, from one main partition, such as partition 6, to that next adjacent.

Means are provided by the present invention for supporting the transverse partitions in vertical position on the base blocks and between the main partitions, and such means comprise the partition-supporting device illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2.

The partition-supporting device as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 is adapted to be preferably formed from sheet metal, although any other desired material may be employed. As illustrated in Fig. 1 the device comprises an elongated strip of ma terial, one longitudinal edge portion 8 of which is formed as a flat strip of a width which is preferably equal to or less than the height of the top surface of the base blocks 2, 3 above the counter top I. Adjacent the inner longitudinal edge of the strip portion Il, the material from which the device is formed is offset laterally, as at 9 for any desired small distance and then turned upwardly to provide a face extending parallel to the strip portion 8. This upper face is cut at spaced points down to the offset portion or flange 9 to provide a plurality of spaced faces I9 which extend in a series along the longitudinal length of the supporting device from the offset portion 9 and which extend in substantial parallelism to the strip portion 8. The side and upper edges I5, I6, I'I of these face portions are turned inwardly toward the strip portion 8 to form in effect a plurality of spaced box-like members positioned above the strip portion 8 and each having a face I0 which is offset from the plane of the strip portion by any desired amount. The device is so proportioned and constructed that the free edges of the inturned side and upper edge portions I5, I6, II terminate substantially in the plane of the inner or rear face of the strip portion 8, as clearly disclosed in Fig. 2.

It will be observed that when the offset face of the device is cut'to provide the edge portions which are turned inwardly, the horizontal flange or offset 9 is not cut and therefore this flange forms a continuous member which bridges the space between the lower portions of adjacent box-like members as at I8 in Fig. l, and in addition forms a lower ange internally of each of the box-like members.

It will be seen that the inturned edge flanges I5, I6 of adjacent members form parallel plates defining between each adjacent pair of elements an opening or aperture having a width approximately equal to the thickness of a partition member. According to the invention, the supporting device may be formed of any desired length and may be provided with any desired number of spaced members. There is thus provided a supporting device having a plurality of spaced apertures within which the edge of a partition member may be selectively inserted, to thereby support the partition member in vertical position.

In the use of the device, the strip portion 8 is introduced between a base block and a main partition which is supported between such base' block and a next adjacent base block, and is pushed downwardly therebetween until the flange or offset portion 9 thereof rests on the upper face of the base block. In this position the supporting device is firmly supported and maintained in position so long as the base blocks and the main partitions therebetween are retained in their usual cooperating positions, all as clearly disclosed in Fig. 2. It will be seen that the inner face of the strip portion 8 will abut the face of the main partition 6 and that the free edges of the inturned flanges I5, I5 and II, of the spaced, box-like members, will also abut the same face of the main partition. The box-like members, being offset from the strip portion S, will be positioned to the side of the main partition and above the upper face of the base block. In this position and arrangement, the box-like members will be the only portions of the supporting device visible above the base blocks and will provide a series of spaced members defining therebetween apertures of a width approximately equal to the thickness of the transverse partitions '1. Such transverse partitions may be selectively inserted into the apertures formed between the spaced members and will be retained and supported therein in vertical position.

As described hereinbefore, the flange or offset portion 9 is continued between the box-like members to provide a flange or base I8 at the lower portion of each aperture. When the supporting device is positioned as described hereinbefore, such ange portion abuts the upper face of the base blocks. When the transverse partitions are positioned in the apertures between the box-like members, the end of the lower edge of each such partition will rest upon the flange portions I8, thereby assisting in holding the entire supporting member in position. It will also be seen that the flange portion increases the strength and rigidity of the entire supporting device and substantially prevents undesired bending thereof.

Although there is disclosed in Fig. 2 a supporting means for only one end of the transverse partition, the invention contemplates that an identical construction and arrangement shall be provided for the other end thereof, whereby the partition may be supported firmly at both ends. It will also be seen that the transverse partition is supported adjacent the upper face of the base block, and does not extend downward to the counter top as in usual prior constructions.

It will be apparent that the transverse partition may be easily removed from its position within aligned apertures in opposed supporting members, and may be moved to any desired or necessary position between the main partitions'and between the front and rear `of the counter top, whereby the size lof the compartments on the 'counter top, or -on the upper surfaces of the base blocks, may be varied as desired. It will be seen that the width of the compartments may be varied by providing base blocks of different widths between the main partitions E, while the depth of the compartments, from the front to the rear 'of the counter, may be varied by positioning the transverse partitions 'l in any desired apertures in the supporting device.

Although, in the preferred form of the invention as described hereinbefore, the ange 9 is continued between adjacent box-like members to form the anges I8 upon which the lower edge of a partition member may be supported, the invention contemplates that the iiange 9 may be formed as a non-continuous member and may be remove-d between Iadjacent box-like members. `Such a structure is illustrated in Fig. 5 wherein it will be seen that no flange portions bridging the apertures between adjacent box-like members are provided. When such a structure is employed the partition members which may be disposed in the apertures between the box-like members will abut and be supported solely by the upper faces of the base-blocks on the counter top.

In Figs. 3 and 4 there is disclosed a second embodiment of the invention which is particularly adapted for use when, for any reason, it is not desired to extend the main partition below the upper surface of the base blocks. According to this form of the invention, a preferably unitary supporting device is provided which supports the main partition and also supports partitions extending laterally from both faces thereof.

that the base blocks 20, 2l are brought into substantially abutting relation andthe main partition 22 is positioned adjacent the upper surface of the two blocks and extending longitudinally along such joint. A supporting device is provided which is adapted to support both the main partition and the transverse partitions at opposite sides thereof. Such supporting device comprises, in effect, two supporting devices such as disclosed in Fig. 1, which may be integrally or otherwise united at the strip portions 23, 24. Such construction is preferably achieved by forming both supporting devices from a single strip of metal and bending the strip along the medial line thereof toform a double support having two abutting strip portions.

The upper portions of the support are formed in the same manner as described in connection with Fig. l, whereby spaced box-like Ymembers are provided along the length of the support, deining spaced apertures having widths `equal to the thickness of the transverse partitions. It will be noted, however, that the offset portions 25, 26 of each of the two series of box-like portions are longer, transversely of the support, than the inturned upper flanges 21, 28, by an amount equal to one-half of the thickness of the main partition. Due to such construction, the main partition may be received between the upper flanges 2l, 28 and, inasmuch as the lower offset portions 25, 25 abut along the medial line formed by the abutting strip portions 23, 24, the lower edge of such main partitionwill rest upon the offset portions 25,26, all as clearly illustrated in Fig. 4. v

In the use of this device, the double strip por- Referring particularly to Fig. 4, it will be seen tion 23, 24 is inserted between the opposed faces of adjacent base blocks until the lower flange or offset portions 25, 26 abut and rest on the upper faces of the base blocks. In this position., the main partition 22 may be inserted between the upper inturned flanges '21, 28 and lowered therebetween until the lower edge of the partition rests on the lower iianges 25, 25. It will be seen that the relative lengths of the upper and lower anges, as described hereinbefore, permit the reception of the main partition between `the upper flanges. the space therebetween being made approximately equal to the thickness of the main partition.

In the position described, a series of box-like members will be disposed on each side of the main partition, defining on each side thereof a plurality of spaced apertures into which the lower end edges of the transverse partitions29, 30 may be inserted. It will be apparent that a similar type of support may be provided at each joint between adjacent base blocks, whereby both ends of the transverse partitions may be supported or, if desired, supporting means of the type disclosed in Figs. i and 2 may be employed for supporting either of the ends of any transverse partition.

It will be seen that by the present invention there have been provided partition-supporting devices which may be easily mounted in place on a counter top and which may be easily removed therefrom or adjusted to various positions. By virtue of the devices according to the present invention, a partition member may be moved to a plurality of selected positions or, if desired, a plurality of partition members may be variously and selectively positioned on a counter top. By reason of the present invention, the necessity for subdividing the longitudinal lengths of the base blocks to provide differing supporting positions for the transverse partitions is obviated, and in the use of the present invention such transverse partitions may be selectively supported in different positions by merely moving them from one aperture of the supporting device to another thereof.

It will also be seen that the present invention provides means for supporting the main partitions on the upper surfaces of the base blocks, whereby greater partition height may be obtained or, if desired, partitions of smaller height may be employed.

While I have described and illustrated several embodiments of my invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that further embodiments may be made without departing in any way from the spirit or scope of the invention, for the limits of which reference must be had to the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A display counter comprising a top, a plurality of base blocks disposed thereon, a partition member disposed between and supported in a substantially vertical position by said base blocks, a second partition resting on the upper surface of o-ne of said base blocks and having one end thereof substantially in abutment with said first named partition, and a device for supporting said second partition, said device having a portion thereof disposed between said first named partition and one of said base blocks and being freely movable therebetween and another portion comprising spaced box-like members disposed above said base blocks and defining between said spacedY members a plurality of apertures within which the end of said second partition may be selectively received.

2. A display counter comprising a top, a plurality of base blocks disposed on said top, a partition member resting on said top and disposed between adjacent base blocks, a second partition member resting on the upper surface of one of said base blocks and having one end thereof abutting said first named partition, and means for supporting said second named partition, said means comprising a device having a flat portion disposed between said rst named partition and one of said base blocks and being Yfreely movable therebetween and a portion disposed above the upper surface of said one base block and comprising a plurality of spaced elements defining a plurality of apertures within which said second named partition may be selectively positioned.

3. A display counter comprising a top, a plurality of base blocks disposed on said top, a partition disposed above the upper surfaces of said base blocks and being arranged longitudinally of the joint between adjacent base blocks, and a partition-supporting device comprising a flat portion disposed between said adjacent base blocks and a plurality of elements disposed above the upper surf-aces of said base blocks and abutting opposite faces of said partition to support said partition therebetween.

4. A display counter comprising a top, a plurality of base blocks disposed on said top, a partition disposed above the upper surfaces of said base blocks and extending longitudinally of a joint between adjacent base blocks, and a partition-supporting device comprising a flat portion disposed between said adjacent base blocks and another portion comprising two series of spaced box-like members above said base blocks, one disposed on either side of said partition for supporting the same therebetween, said series of box-like members delning on each side of said partition a plurality of spaced apertures Within which other partitions may be selectively positioned.

5. A partition-supporting device comprising a flat portion adapted to be supported in a vertical position, and a plurality of spaced box-like members disposed above and connected to said flat portion and defining an aperture within which the end of a partition may be positioned for supporting said partition.

6. A partition-supporting device comprising an elongated member comprising a flat strip portion adapted to be supported in a vertical position, and a plurality of spaced box-like elements disposed above and connected to said strip portion, said elements defining therebetween an aperture adapted to receive the edge of a partition for supporting said partition in a vertical position.

7. A partition-supporting device comprising an elongated member having a flat strip portion and a plurality of spaced flat portions connected to and offset from said strip portion, each of said spaced ilat portions being substantially parallel to said ilat strip portion and having a plurality of flanges formed thereon, said flanges having free edges which terminate substantially in the plane of said strip portion.

8. A partition-supporting device comprising an elongated flat strip portion adapted to be supported in a vertical position and a plurality of ilat plate members connected to and spaced along the longitudinal length of said strip portion and being offset therefrom by a continuous flange portion and being substantially parallel to said strip portion, said members being separated by apertures above said flange portion within which the edge of a partition member may be positioned.

9. A partition-supporting device comprising an elongated ilat strip member adapted to be supported in a vertical position, a flange connected to said strip portion at one edge thereof, and a plurality of spa/ced box-like members connected to said flange and extending in substantial parallelism to said strip portion, said spaced elements dening an aperture therebetween within which the edge of a partition may be positioned.

10. A partition-supporting device comprising an elongated ilat strip portion, a flange connected to said strip portion at one edge thereof, and a plurality of spaced elements connected to said flange and extending in substantial parallelism to said strip portion, said spaced elements dening a plurality of apertures therebetween within which the edge of a partition may be selectively positioned, said flange extending across the lower portion of each of said apertures and forming a support for said partition.

1l. As a new article of manufacture, a partition-supporting device comprising an elongated sheet metal member comprising a flat strip portion extending the entire length of said member, a flange formed at one edge of said member and extending the entire length of said member, and a plurality of plate portions connected to said flange and spaced along the longitudinal length thereof and having flanges formed at the sides and upper portions thereof which extend toward the said strip portion and terminate approximately in the plane of said strip portion.

12. As a new article of manufacture, a partition-supporting device comprising an elongated sheet metal member comprising a flat strip portion extending the entire length thereof, a flange turned at approximately right angles from one edge of said strip portion and extending the entire longitudinal length of said strip portion, a plurality of spaced rectangular plate portions connected to said flange and offset from said strip portion and being substantially parallel thereto, the edge portions of said plate portions being turned towards the plane of said strip portion and terminating approximately in the plane thereof, said plate portions and edge portions providing a plurality of box-like members spaced along the longitudinal length of said supporting device and defining a plurality of spaced apertures for the selective reception of the edge portion of a partition.

13. As a new article of manufacture, a partition-supporting device comprising a doublethickness flat strip portion extending the entire length thereof, a flange extending at approximately right angles from each side of said strip portion at one edge thereof, a plurality of spaced plates extending from each of said flanges in substantial parallelism to said strip portion, and a flange extending from each of said plates in substantial parallelism to said first named ilanges, said second named flanges being shorter transversely of said supporting device than said first named flanges.

14. As a new article of manufacture, a partition-supporting device comprising an elongated flat strip portion, a flange extending from each side of said strip portion at the upper edge thereof, a plurality of plates connected to the outer portion of each of said flanges and being spaced along the longitudinal lengths thereof, said plates being substantially parallel to said strip portion, each of said plates being provided with a flange extending from the upper portion thereof toward the plane of said strip portion and being substantially parallel to said rst named flange portions, said second named flange portions terminating a suflicient distance apart to permit the introduction of a partition member therebetween.

15. A partition-supporting device comprising an elongated flat strip portion adapted to be received between supporting devices, a series of spaced elements extending along the longitudinal length of said strip portion and offset to one side thereof, a second series of spaced elements extending along the longitudinal length of said strip portion and offset to the other side thereof, the spaced elements of each of said series dening apertures therebetween for the reception of partitions, the said series being spaced apart transversely of said strip portion to provide an aperture therebetween for the reception of a partition.

16. A partition-supporting device comprising a flat portion adapted to be supported in a vertical position, a ilange extending from each face of said flat portion at one edge thereof, a series of spaced elements connected to each of said anges, adjacent elements of each of said series dening therebetween an aperture for the reception of a partition, said flanges extending across the said apertures at the lower portions thereof and forming across each aperture a support for said partition.

17. A partition-supporting device comprising a ilat portion adapted to be supported in a vertical position, a flange extending from each face of said flat portion at one edge thereof, a series of spaced elements connected to each of said flanges, said series being spaced transversely of said strip portion to define an elongated aperture therebetween extending longitudinally of said strip portion for the reception of a partition, adjacent elements of each series being spaced to provide between said adjacent elements an aperture for the reception of a second partition.

18. A partition-supporting device comprising a at strip portion, two series of spaced elements connected to said fiat strip portion and disposed one on each side of the plane of said strip portion and being spaced transversely of said strip portion to provide an aperture extending longitudinally of said partition supporting device for the reception of a partition, the elements of each of said series being spaced longitudinally of said strip portion to provide an aperture on either side of said strip portion for the reception of a transverse partition.

19. A partition-supporting device comprising a flat portion, a continuous flange connected to said at portion at one edge thereof and extending approximately at right angles thereto, and a plurality of spaced elements connected to said flange, said spaced elements defining therebetween a plurality of spaced apertures for the selective reception of a partition.

20. A partition-supporting device comprising an elongated at strip portion adapted to be supported in a vertical position, and a plurality of spaced elements connected to said strip portion and offset therefrom by flange portions, said spaced elements defining therebetween a plurality of apertures for the selective reception of a partition.

2l. A partition supporting device comprising an elongated flat strip portion, a plurality of spaced flange portions turned from one edge of said strip portion, each of said ange portions being provided with a plate member extending therefrom in substantial parallelism with said strip portion and in an opposite direction to said strip portion from said flange portions, each of said plate members being provided with a plurality of flanges formed at the edges thereof and extending toward the plane of said strip member, whereby said supporting device is provided with a plurality of spaced members defining a plurality of spaced apertures for the selective reception of a partition. v

22. A partition supporting device comprising an elongated flat strip portion, a plurality of spaced flange portions turned from one edge of said strip portion, each of said spaced ange portions being provided with a boxlike member, whereby said supporting .device is provided with a plurality of box-like members spaced along the longitudinal length thereof and dening a plurality of spaced apertures within which the edge of a partition may be selectively positioned.

HOLMAN HENRY WHITE. 

